NESTING OF THE GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (CATHARTES MELAMBROTUS) IN EASTERN PERU

Abstract

The Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes melambrotus) is one of the less known cathartids (Cathartiformes, Cathartidae), especially in its reproductive biology, being the only species in the family that does not have nest description. Here I describe the discovery of one nest located in a cavity 55 m above the ground on a 70 m high x 130 m wide cliff at 1.230 masl. in the eastern rainforest of central Peru. The nest was found during late dry season (October 31, 2019), and contained a well-developed chick (50-60 days old) which was being fed by the parents. The habitat surrounding the nesting site presented thinned forests for shade of coffee crops, banana and citrus plantations and remnants of adult secondary forest in the streams.